What’s cool and dry and full of stars? Chile’s Atacama Desert!

What’s cool and dry and full of stars? Chile’s Atacama Desert!

April 22, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , No comments

Picture yourself traveling into space and soon landing on Mars. As you step out of the spaceship, you encounter rugged terrain, ravines, rocky mountains, and sand spread out as far as your eyes can see. The desert resemblance is otherworldly, and the thought of exploring the landscape leaves you feeling excited. Fortunately, you get a similar experience right here on earth at the world-renowned Atacama Desert in Chile.

Many consider the landscape of the Atacama to be like that of the planet Mars with its red rock formations.

For years, Atacama has been of interest to tourists, with many traveling to the area for the ultimate desert travel experience. The 41,000 square mile area is considered the oldest desert and one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you are up for an “out-of-the-box” holiday, this South American desert is your next stop.

Get a taste of a desert-like climate

Often referred to as the driest desert in the world, its conditions have stayed the same for millions of years. Its landscape is diverse and dictated by its weather, with some areas not receiving rain for more than a hundred years.

While areas of the Atacama have never received rainfall, its mountain peaks still can be snow covered.

When you get to the Atacama, the first thing you will notice is that it’s not as hot as you would have imagined. During summer, the temperatures are about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is normal room temperature. So, buying new clothes for this trip may not be necessary as your usual travel clothes will suffice. At night, you can expect temperatures even lower depending on your location within the desert.

Snowy mountains in the desert may seem unusual in such a dry area, but this isn’t true for the Atacama. The 20,000 feet high mountains and their

snow-dusted peaks are breathtaking when seen from afar and are much more captivating as you move closer.

Discover the desert animals

Although some areas of the desert are so dry and cannot even support bacterial life, some animals still thrive in the terrain. It is common to see herds of Vicuña, a member of the camelid family, hopping from one rock formation to another. The protected animal with a thick soft coating may sometimes be spotted alongside the llama. Other fluffy creatures living in the desert are the viscacha, gray, and culpeo foxes.

Pink flamingoes are one of the most resilient animals in the Atacama and stand out on the desert landscape. The beautiful bird species, namely yellow-legged Andean, Chilean, and Puna) are found along the saline lagoons. The birds have uniquely adapted to the area and live off the algae at the salt flats for their survival. You can get up close to the birds, who aren’t bothered by humans, making it easier for you to click away with your camera. In addition to flamingoes, are Humboldt Penguins that often swim in the cold currents off the Chilean coast and sometimes nest along the coastal regions of the desert.

Small herds of vicuña, a relative of llamas and guanacos, can be found in the Atacama.

Many insects also call Atacama home with beetles and grasshoppers forming the largest population. The predators of these insects are also present, such as lizards, frogs, and birds that can be spotted at almost every corner you turn.

Check out magical sights

Chile is a country full of historical landmarks with many located within the Atacama Desert. The attractions date back many centuries, with the Atacama Giant being one of the oldest. One of the most famous geoglyphs is an illustration of a deity on a hillside used to predict rain by the local people. The large image which stands at 390 feet is one of the largest ones discovered with several small ones surrounding it.

Quite the unusual sight, the Hand of the Desert, reaches out of the sand in to reach for the stars.

As you move through the desert, you will come across Mano del Desierto, a massive hand that stands at a height of 11 meters. Also known as the Desert Hand, the sculpture was put up in the 1980s by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal. The sculpture is a reminder of the frailty of humans, their loneliness, and their pain regardless of their location in the world.

El Tatio geysers are one of the highest geyser fields in the world and worth the trip to the Atacama.

Visitors need to reach the field early in the morning, which means enduring icy temperatures before the eighty geysers give off steam. As dawn approaches and the weather gets warmer, you get a picture-worthy spectacle of billowing clouds crowned with the sun’s rays.

A visit to the non-polar desert is incomplete without a visit to Salar de Atacama near San Pedro de Atacama. The salt flat, which is the largest in Chile, is beautiful up close, with no drainage outlets. Its mountainous surrounding makes it the perfect image of nature with steaming volcanoes, lunar landscapes, and saline lagoons. It is home to many types of wildlife with the most popular being pink-colored flamingoes.

Come see the Atacama in full bloom courtesy of the El Nino rains which results in desert flowering. The beautiful wildflowers cover several fields and are sustained by unusually high rains that fall on the arid land. To see this rare phenomenon with other tourists, you will need to visit the area from September to November.

Expect to have fun

The Atacama can also be a playground for adventure lovers seeking to explore the terrain on wheels. Death Valley Dunes is a 330 feet high dune in the desert that’s perfect for a quad ride. Riding to the top of the dune requires lots of energy, but this is rewarded by a stunning view of the vast alien-like landscape. If you want to enjoy the trip down, you can always carry a skating board to the summit and then surf down at a thrilling speed.

Chile’s Atacama is home to over 5000 geoglyps, including the Giant Man.

For a more relaxed day out, visit San Pedro, a former copper-mining town with lots of places to see and a favorite with tourists. Its main street, Caracoles, has several buildings, a pretty plaza, and a historic church worth visiting. Make sure to sample Chilean delicacies at the restaurants and cafes in the tranquil town.

Experience Atacama Desert in the hands of a professional no matter your country of origin. I will handle all the travel details on your behalf and ensure your first desert travel experience is unforgettable! Are you ready to consider a desert exploration?  Now’s the time so call me!

Pat Ogle-CollinsWhat’s cool and dry and full of stars? Chile’s Atacama Desert!
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There’s a lot more in the outback than just Uluru!

There’s a lot more in the outback than just Uluru!

April 15, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , , No comments

When you hear the words ‘Australian outback’, you probably imagine red deserts, spinifex, and of course, Uluru. However, there’s so much more to this spectacular area than just the world’s largest monolith! Covering over 70 percent of Australia’s landmass, the outback is the best option for explorers down under wanting to get off the beaten path. So step away from the bright lights of coastal cities, and let’s talk about some of the not-to-be-missed destinations in Central Australia.

But what exactly is the outback?

Known for its red color at sunrise and sunset, Uluru changes color throughout the day.

European settlers used the word ‘outback’ in the early 19th century to describe any area that was ‘out the back’ of a city or town. Over time, the term became synonymous with the vast expanse of red dirt that covers over 3.5 million square miles mostly in the center of Australia. Home to thousands of endemic flora and fauna species, this seemingly empty landscape was home to indigenous Australian tribes for over 40,000 years and still holds cultural significance for these native people today.

Not sure where to start? I’ve got some recommendations for you!

Homes in Coober Pedy, referred to as “dugouts” by the locals, lie underground to escape the immense heat with temps rising to 127 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade during the summer.

Coober Pedy

One thing is for sure – the Australian outback is hotter and drier than pretty much anywhere on Earth! As such, locals have turned to innovative ways to keep cool under the harsh sun that go far beyond swimming pools and air-conditioning. Located 528 miles north of Adelaide, the town of Coober Pedy is known for its plentiful opals, beautiful landscape, and unique way of life.

If you show up here, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d missed a turn somewhere and found an

abandoned ghost town. However, this quirky Australian settlement is home to dive bars, shops, and even a church – they’re all underground! Residents here live in deep-set dwellings known as ‘dugouts,’ which help insulate against the searing daytime heat. Take part in an opal panning activity or visit the incredible sunken bars and restaurants to see how the locals live.

Alice Springs

If you want to start your adventure in the great Red Centre, there is no better place than Alice Springs. Just a few hours from Uluru, this outback town combines luxury and indigenous culture in a celebration of Australian nature. Named for the wife of Sir Charles Todd, Alice Springs is the perfect base for exploring the outback at its heart. Kangaroo sanctuaries, camel rides, and spectacular hiking are only some of the activities available for keen adventurers in this desert settlement.

Spectacular views can be seen from Mt. Sonder, the highest mountain in the Northern Territory, part of the West MacDonnell Ranges only 90  min from Alice Springs.

From here, it’s only a few minutes to the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges. Get involved in a group tour with an experienced indigenous guide, or hike the trails and set up camp overlooking the sprawling desert landscape in front of you. Hidden swimming holes and stunning views over the ever-changing Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park make this one stop you won’t want to miss.

Kings Canyon offers spectacular red cliff walls and lush waterfalls for some memorable hikes in this Australian national park.

Kings Canyon

Between Alice Springs and Uluru, there are some genuinely breathtaking geographical features worth exploring. In Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is a magnificent plateau of rock holes and domes that dip sharply to a stunning gully below. While the 4-mile walk around the canyon’s rim will take around 3 hours to complete, you can also opt to travel down the sandstone cliffs to the ‘Garden of Eden.’ This permanent oasis is home to over 600 species of flora and fauna and is almost overwhelming in its serenity.

Uluru

We can’t talk about the outback without mentioning Uluru! Formerly known as Ayers Rock, this giant monolith sits in the Central Australian Desert and is one of the most well-known icons of the sunburnt country. Rising dramatically above the spare landscape, Uluru is a sacred site to the Anangu people and is seen as a point at which the land joins the sky. Climbing Uluru was banned in 2019, though you can still gain an unbeatable view of this natural wonder from the Kata Tjuta viewing platform – or even a hot air balloon if you’re feeling adventurous!

Kata Tjuta

While Uluru is the most well-known monolith in Australia, it isn’t the only one. Just outside Alice Springs, the Kata Tjuta, previously referred to as The Olgas,  are a group of ancient rock formations standing proud against the red dirt terrain. With distinctly domed shapes, these rocks are a place of spiritual significance to local indigenous tribes. Hike these unique geological sites as the sun sets and watch as they glow and change color in the late afternoon and twilight. Then, for greater appreciation of the Aboriginal culture, you can take a cultural tour to learn about indigenous history and classic hunter-gatherer techniques used for thousands of years.

Unlike the monolith Uluru, the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta cover 20 sq kilometers making an impressive sight as you approach.

Kakadu National Park

Darwin may not be officially considered part of the outback, but Kakadu National Park certainly is! Australia’s largest national park is only a couple of hours outside the Northern Territory’s capital, and is the perfect adventure for those looking to get off the beaten path. Ancient rock galleries, gushing waterfalls, and breathtaking gullies are only some of the secrets in this untouched natural wonderland.

There are so many things to see in Kakadu, it’s impossible to do it all in one day. Take a day trip in a four-wheel-drive to the famous Jim Jim falls, where white sands and deep swimming holes await for a perfect day of relaxing. Once you’ve cooled off, walk through the ancient trees that predate European settlement, and marvel at the rock paintings detailing Aboriginal history and storytelling.

Time to Plan Your Outback Adventure!

Maguk Gorge, formerly known as Barramundi Gorge, named for one of the most popular fish in the area, flows into a pristine pool surrounded by rainforest – a refreshing sight in Australia’s Outback.

There are hundreds of reasons to explore the Australian outback – this list only scratches the surface! Want to add a more rugged adventure to your Australian holiday? Talk to me today! I’ve got the experience, know-how, and insider tricks to make your escape unforgettable.

Pat Ogle-CollinsThere’s a lot more in the outback than just Uluru!
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Who do African countries call to revive their parks?

Who do African countries call to revive their parks?

April 8, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , No comments

Planning your first African safari? How exciting! But what if you don’t get to see any animals? Scary right! Luckily, behind the scenes, there is someone making sure tourists traveling from all over the world get to see their favorite animals whenever they visit the continent. While it is not one man, nor masked, this non-profit organization has been managing parks in Africa since 2003 with its portfolio growing bigger every year.

African Parks is an organization that focuses on the rehabilitation and management of protected areas.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Congo, one of the parks in Africa Park’s portfolio, is home to much of the world’s remaining western lowland gorillas.

Primarily working in Africa, the NGO is in charge of parks across the continent partnering with local communities and the national governments. Its unique approach to environmental conservation is accepted in countries like Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Chad, Rwanda, Mozambique, and the Central African Republic. And they have been incredibly successful!

Africa Parks aren’t only known for wildlife.  The iconic “drowned forest” lies in Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park.

The primary goal of the Johannesburg-based NGO is to maintain, manage or restore parks as well as their resources. To restore a park to its historical level, the organization gets involved in species reintroduction, recovery, and securing park boundaries. The success of African Parks lies in its professionalism with the focus being on securing the animals and involving the local community in their activities. With only just over 5000 employees managing 15 parks across 11 countries whose total area of about 41,000 sq mile (about the size of Kentucky), making their success even more impressive.

African Parks also involves itself in land conservation whereby they work together with local communities for their benefit. So with so few employees and so much to manage, how do they focus their efforts?

Wildlife Safety

Africa is facing a crisis, with some animal species facing extinction. African Parks works to protect the animals using different approaches that ensure ecosystem preservation, resulting in better health for wildlife and surrounding communities. Some of these approaches include translocations and reintroductions of wildlife; securing park boundaries and implementation of anti-poaching practices, resulting in the security of wildlife in the parks.

Following the genocide in Rwanda Akagera National Park became home to a significant number of cattle depleting the land.  Today, with active community support and involvement, the park has been transformed with more than 2.5 times the number of wildlife than in 2010.

Park Protection

African Parks boasts of having one of the biggest counter-poaching forces in Africa. Its 1000 rangers are responsible for ensuring the security of the parks, surrounding communities, and nearby regions. The NGO manages law enforcement in across the wide area of their parks. The existence of these Special Forces has brought stability for the surrounding community and its people.

The Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve in Chad is full of not only sandstone works of natural art, but historic rock art and wildlife including crocodiles and Barbary sheep.

Community Development

African Parks understands that the survival of the protected areas in future years depends on the value placed on them by the local people. The long-term existence of the parks also provides extra benefits to the people such as involvement in management decisions, provision of educational support, and enhancement of sustainable livelihoods. The non-profit sees the local community as a critical part of the survival of the protected parks. Furthermore, African Parks engages with development organizations to provide services focusing on the education and health of the people living in surrounding areas.

Improved Tourism

African Parks understands the need to have visitors at the parks throughout the year for their survival. They have adopted a model to ensure funds are raised through tourism operations and gate fees that are managed by the parks. The finances make it possible for the protected area to become sustainable with or without donor funding.  Besides, coming up with initiatives to increase tourism numbers African Parks also employs local people who make a living from the park and use their salaries to uplift the economy of the local area.

Management infrastructure

Good infrastructure and management at the parks are one of the major focuses of African Parks. The parks are registered as separate legal entities in host countries to ensure they benefit local communities. The management of each park is transparent in its dealings and accountable, resulting in donor confidence and great results by the team. Besides proper management, the non-profit also ensures effective communication and technology to ensure the parks run at optimum levels.

Africa Park’s focuses on marine based wildlife in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park where the last viable population of dugongs is only one of the species under threat.

Benefits to Tourists

The success of African Parks in reviving wildlife across Africa is unmatched and breathes new life into parks that no longer attract tourists. Parks managed by the NGO attract both local and international tourists, providing them a unique safari experience with diverse wildlife. Game viewing is varied, allowing tourists to choose whether to explore the area by car, on foot, or from a boat depending on the park and location.

Success of the efforts in Liwonde and Majete National Parks in Liwonde allowed for a historic elephant translocation of elephants from these parks to Nkhotakota National Park, also in Malawi.

In Akagera National Park in Rwanda, tourists see the famous lions that were translocated from South Africa in a bid to restore the park to its former glory. The lion population became extinct during the genocide era but African Parks re-introduced this key species to the park in 2015.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically Garamba, the poaching of elephants has decreased by 90% since the African Parks joined the management of the park. The wildlife population, including the threatened Kordofan giraffe, has risen allowing tourists to behold the beauty of this unique giraffe species whenever they visit the national park.

The accommodation options available to guests visiting the park under the management of the non-profit are also diverse and exceptional. Visitors can choose from the most basic campsites that are community-run or high-end lodges managed by luxury safari operators. Most of the employees at these accommodations are locals which results in a thriving economy leading to the long-term success of the protected area.

Your Contribution as a Tourist

African Parks relies on the financial backing of private entities, funding partners, and governments in which they work. The overhead costs of the NGO are covered by donations, private funders, and their endowment fund.

Individual donations are also accepted through the non-profit’s website. If interested in supporting a ranger, gifts can be directed to the “Rangers Fund” which provides funds to the families of rangers and the anti-poaching efforts they engage in daily.

Ultimately, the work by African Parks is far from over and needs to be supported in every way possible.  Direct donations make a huge impact, but better yet, visit one of their parks and your visit will contribute not only to African Parks continued operations but also to efforts to sustain these parks and the local communities.  Plus you’ll have unforgettable memories of an amazing adventure as well.  Want to talk more about African Parks or a trip to Africa?  Call me today!

With one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda provides a habitat for 322 bird species best viewed by walks thru the canopy.

Pat Ogle-CollinsWho do African countries call to revive their parks?
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Bask in the history, culture and landscapes of Basque country!

Bask in the history, culture and landscapes of Basque country!

April 1, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , , No comments

Spain ranks at the top of many traveler’s bucket lists, but cities like Madrid and Barcelona often get all of the glory. However, one place frequently left off  many an itinerary – Basque country! This Northern region of Spain ticks so many boxes for anyone looking to get off the beaten track with historic wineries, gorgeous coastline, and amiable locals.

Basque country is a uniquely beautiful region where time stands still, and the modern twists effortlessly

San Sebastian, the most well-known city in the Spanish Basque area keeps you dining well with the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.

with the historical. Yet, despite its many draws, guidebooks often give only scant attention and tours tend to focus more on the major cities and southern area. The nationalist separatist movement that lingers from the  Basque-Spanish war partly contributes to the avoidance of the area rather than exploration. While the armed conflict officially ended in 2011, strong sentiment towards independence still exists in the area. You’ll see evidence of this challenging period in local news, signposts, and museums dedicated to the struggle.

Since it is part of Spain, signs are in Spanish, but  Euskara, the language of Basques can be widely found.

When visiting Basque country, you’ll probably notice a few differences between the northern region and the rest of Spain. The most significant change – Spanish isn’t the primary language! While most locals speak fluent Spanish and Castillian, the main language used is Basque. Characterized by its alphabet and typeface, Basque makes appearances everywhere in the region, from train station signposts to menus, and can be difficult for foreigners to speak. However, a little goes a long way, particularly in local languages! Add essential phrases like kaixo (hello), mesedez (please), and eskerrik asko (thank you) to your vocabulary before visiting, as it shows respect for the region and its people.

The best way to immerse yourself in a new culture is through the food – luckily, Basque country makes it easy. Dishes in this region are based around authentic, local ingredients, and a rich tapestry of flavor and texture come together to create an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Try pintxos, the smaller version of Spain’s famous tapas, with a glass of local wine or beer, on a lazy afternoon. In fact, it’s incredibly common to

spend afternoons pintxos hopping from bar to bar, trialing everything from potato and goats cheese croquettes to Iberico-stacked baguettes before moving on.  And where there is food, you can be sure it is front and center during its holidays and festivals which take place all year round.

Even if you know nothing about Basque country, most have heard of one – San Sebastian! Only a 75-minute plane ride from Madrid, or 3 hours on a train from Bordeaux, this is one destination to add to the list for any keen foodie or historical buff. Known for its

Basques refer to their tapas like food as pintxos, pronounced like “peen-chos.”

stunning rocky coastline and transcendent architecture, San Sebastian has been a mainstay for holidaymakers for years. Take a walk along La Conca Beach to the Old Town, or spend an afternoon walking around the tree-lined streets where old Hollywood stars spent their vacation time.

After you’ve admired the historic buildings and beautiful inner-city parks, visit one of the incredible eateries for which San Sebastian so famous. In fact, Basque country is home to the second-most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world after Tokyo – with fresh seafood and delicious local produce at hand all year-round, it’s not

Bilbao’s most famous landmark, the Guggenheim Museum, draws art lovers from around the world.

difficult to see why. Trial local dishes like bacalao pil-pil (cod fried in garlic and olive oil) and alubios de Tolosa (bean and chorizo stew), or stick to delicate picking plates of local cheese, meats, and vegetables.

This is a city made for falling in love – and I can promise, you’ll do just that!

Stepping outside of San Sebastian, and you’ll see other cities and towns that are just as charming. Traditional Bilbao is home to some of Spain’s most magnificent architectural structures, from the

remarkable Guggenheim Museum to the atmospheric Casco Viejo. Visit the many pintxos bars that line the cobblestone streets, or simply get lost for a day as you step effortlessly between the modern and the historical. The charming footbridges stretching over the river add to the fairy tale vibe of the city, and it’s easy to see why so many consider this the unsung capital of Basque country.

For the seaside lovers, make time for a drive down the magical coast of Biscay Bay. Littered with delightful small towns, untouched cliffs, and hidden beaches, you can take as long as you like to stop and take in the scenery. Stop in at Getaria, home of renowned designer Cristobal Balenciaga, or take a break out of your day to climb San Juan Gaztelugaxte’s Stairway to Heaven. Crossing the picturesque bay via a stone footbridge,

you’ll find yourself at the base of ‘castle rock’ – the original site of a chapel dedicated to John the Baptist. From this elevated vantage point, gaze over the glittering, crashing waves below and marvel at the expanse of ocean stretching into the distance.

The waves in Basque country aren’t just for watching – keen surfers can also try their hand at riding the monstrous swell at Mundaka on the central coast. Created by the estuary and adjacent sandbar, Mundaka’s waves are fast, deep, and hollow, attracting riders from all over the world each year. If

Gorgeous coastal landscapes like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe abound across Basque country.

you’d rather spectate, climb the town’s walls to a viewing platform and witness the natural marvel from the best seat in the house.

After all that intense natural power, it’s time for a drink. Wine enthusiasts rejoice – Basque country takes their grape produce seriously. Visit any café or restaurant in the region, and you’ll see the names of hundreds of native varietals and wineries on specialized menus. Sample some of the local tempranillo with your afternoon pintxos, or take the journey to the Rioja Alvesa region to participate in a winemaking class. If wine isn’t your favorite, grab a glass of sparkling Basque cider, and relax in one of the many historic venues dedicated to producing the delicious beverage.

No matter how you look at it, Basque country is truly a destination you never knew that you needed. Thinking of adding this underrated region to your next European adventure? Let me help you plan your escape! With years of experience and a love of everything travel, I can take the stress out of your next getaway. Ready to Basque in the beauty of Northern Spain? Contact me today to find out more!

Pat Ogle-CollinsBask in the history, culture and landscapes of Basque country!
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